Sergio Aguero thoroughly enjoyed making his Barcelona debut on Sunday after finally making his first competitive appearance for the club since his move from Manchester City.
The Argentine had to wait until the 88th minute to get on the pitch but was blown away by the reaction of fans who offered a warm Camp Nou welcome. Aguero also posted a message on social media after the game to thank fans for their support. He wrote, “Happy for the victory and for having the first minutes with this shirt. Thank you all for your support And we go for more!!"
Aguero joined Barcelona in the summer after leaving Manchester City but had been sidelined by injury. Barca came from behind to beat Valencia 3-1 at the Nou Camp on Sunday night. That ended a run of back-to-back defeats before the international break against Atletico Madrid and Benfica - they had won only once in their last six matches in all competitions. And Barca made a nightmare start, despite Ronald Koeman being allowed back on the touchline after a two-match ban.
The return of Aguero is another boost for Barcelona who also got to see Ansu Fati make his first start of the season against Valencia. Aguero will be hoping for more minutes on Wednesday when Barca return to action in the Champions League against Dynamo Kiev.
Even though the Catalan club were allowed a full-capacity crowd for the first time since March 2020, Barca's ground was only half full. Those in attendance were silenced after five minutes as Jose Gaya's long-range strike curled into the far corner. Barca hit back well, though. Ansu Fati levelled after 13 minutes with an emphatic finish from the edge of the box. The youngster was then brought down inside the box by Gaya four minutes before the break. Memphis Depay stepped up to score from the spot and put the hosts in front.
Carlos Soller hit the woodwork after the break as Valencia pushed for an equaliser. But Barca were able to secure all three points when substitute Coutinho drilled in from close range five minutes from the end. That was the first time he hit the net since November 29, 2020 in a 4-0 home win over Osasuna.